Your Guide to the marathons in the area!

Palmetto half marathon in Columbia – definitely not miss it

The Palmetto half marathon has become a community movement and anticipated annual tradition for Columbian residents since it was first held in 2010. Columbia is the capital of the state of South Carolina and is the hometown of the Gamecock football team as well as the renowned University of South Carolina.

The Palmetto half marathon is held on April 9th and consists of a half marathon (13.1 miles), a youth half marathon, a 5K run and walk plus a one mile kid’s fun run.

The annual event promotes the physical fitness of the people of Columbia, and is also a fundraiser for the following local non-profit organizations: the Harvest Hope Food Bank, St. Lawrence Place, the Family Shelter and the Alson Wikes Society Veterans home.

The route of the Palmetto half marathon starts with a mainly downhill track and ends up with a few steep parts. The steepest hill is at about 7 miles from the start, and then there is another steep road near the 10th mile.

The start and finish lines are in the Village at Sandhill area of Columbia. The start is at the Academy Sports and Outdoors, and the finish is at the fountain in the center of the Village of Soundhill area. The route passes through the neighborhoods: Wildwood and Woodlands.

There are water stations at every two miles, as well as bathroom facilities. Medical tents are situated at mile 4 and 9.

The course time limit is 4 hours and the even attracts more than 1,400 runners and walkers each year.

The weather for the Palmetto half marathon is mild to moderately warm, with an average temperature of 52°-78° F for the day of the race, which is April 9th.

The participants receive a medal for participation, an event t-shirt, food and drinks at the finish line, kids activities for the day of the race and discount from local restaurants and businesses in the race packet.

Wheelchairs are welcome, as well as headphones and strollers.

The 7th Palmetto half marathon honored the memory of Amanda Peak Glover who tragically collapsed and died after crossing the finish line in the half-marathon in 2015. She was a loved member of the community, and a mother of 4. Sadly, she was only 32 years old when she passed away. The 2016th half-marathon was held under the motto “APG – Live Life Load” in her memory, and many participants chose to wear the commemorative pink APG T-shirts at the event